That's a bummer about the fish; but they can be a pain to deal with over breaks and transport to/from school. My university dorm rule allowed fish; max one ten gallon tank per roommate. Water changes were a bit of a nightmare in a tiny dorm tho Good luck with your tank and have a great time in school!

As far as your hardscapes; I prefer #1. I like the simplicity without as many little rocks sitting around.

Alright, ladies and gentlemen, things are coming together! Today my parents came with something that felt like a birthday present... my first rimless ADA tank! Have been a huge fan of Amano's work, it's nice to have some of the equipment he stands behind instead of just AquaSoil and few other knick-nacks. That said, unboxing these kinds of items is like Christmas morning. I really understand those seemingly stupid youtube videos. The box weighed 25 lbs, which wasn't bad and I even carried it up the stairs. Getting to the box was easy, a good amount of packaging to protect its precious cargo. Underneath all that packaging was my prize... the coveted Mini M! I carefully cut the straps and removed the cardboard to unleash its glory. Then I promptly put it in its place on my desk and started setting it up. Below is what I have so far. Unfortunately, I lost one of the rocks I was going to use so I'm left trying to find a replacement, oh well. I think I could use some extra AS, and then I'm ready for planting. HC only so far, we'll see as the tank progresses. Also, I got some free stuff (T-shirt, an Aqua Journal, and a 20th Anniversary Pamphlet) because my order came so late.

Change of plans and change of scape. I'm thinking about getting a Solar Mini M. The Archaea/Up Aqua light is getting really hot after just an hour of use. Though it is a powerful light in a small space, and the housing is metal. Waiting on more AS, CO2 tube, and HC so that I can start! And I'll have to go to a fish store for some stuff too.

Got the rest of my aquasoil today, that means it's time to finish scaping! I apologize for the glare, I didn't realize that I had to turn the light on. The first step was of course placing the main stone and supporting rocks.

2. (picture 1) First thin layer of regular Amazonia is placed on bottom. Secondary stone is also placed over a supporting one.

4. (picture 3) Third stone is added in right side, pointing up to utilize its triangular shape. More soil added for better shape.

5. (picture 4) Everything finessed to very close to the final product. I'll sleep on it.

The rocks take up more space in person, but I don't know. I want to get started at this point, so I'll probably leave it. Maybe add top swimmers to fill it up? One-plant tank of HC, at least for now. My two working titles are
"Boulder Protruding from a Meadow"
or
"Boulders-Upon-Meadow"

Sorry for the lack of updates, college can be busy! At the end of September I received my HC (a lot for a good price) and have been dry-starting it since while I decided on what I wanted my filtration to look like. Notice the difference in growth between the two pictures. I ended up with an Eheim 2211, ADA P-1 outflow (on sale at ADG), and a do! mini inflow. I spent a bit more money but I'm ending up with better products that I think will last longer and be more satisfying. I'm happy with my light, as it's the same wattage as a Solar Mini, but with good enough asthetics and better price. It's going to be powerful. I hope my CO2 system can keep up, it should work well. Tank will be filled Sunday.

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